From the Head

From the Head of Pre-Prep

Dear Parents,

On Monday we were treated to an operatic assembly from Miss Wines in Kindergarten, telling us about opera and demonstrating how to sing opera. We were all amazed by her incredible voice!

On Sunday our Pre-Prep Choir sung in the Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival. They sung beautifully and received Honors from the judges: we got a medal and a certificate. Thank you to all of the parents who came to support us. I know lots of other St Michael’s children were involved in playing instruments throughout the weekend and we are proud of them for all of their achievements.

It was good to see many Kindergarten parents on Wednesday morning for a tour of life in Pre-Prep “upstairs”. We are heading towards the final term so quickly; your children will be moving on to their next teacher before you know it!

Next week is a big week for Pre-Prep, we are having an Arts Week. This is something we haven’t done since before Covid and in the past it was always exciting to focus on a subject in depth. Ms Farmer is leading the week and has masterminded the plan. Children will be producing art that will be outside the normal curriculum and the week will culminate in an Art Exhibition on Thursday 27^th March to which you are all invited. It will be open from 3pm to 5pm and will showcase what we have created. Nursery and Kindergarten artwork will also be displayed so parents of Pre-School are invited too.

Can I please remind parents not to leave younger children in the car whilst you collect older children. From a safety point of view it is better to have little ones with you. Many thanks.

Overheard in Pre-Prep: "Please can I have a harder sheet because I’m a genius."

Have a lovely weekend,

Zerrin Leech

Tom Gadd - Deputy Estates Manager

Following the recent retirement of David Hooper from our Estates Team, we are delighted to announce that Tom Gadd has been promoted to the role of Deputy Estates Manager. 

Tom joined St Michael’s Prep School as part of the Estates Team in September 2020 and has continued to develop his skills and knowledge throughout his time with us. I am sure you will join the school community to wish him every success in his new role with us. 

Congratulations, Tom!

Words by Richard Dearing, Director of Finance and Operations

Upcoming road closures

Please be aware of the following planned road closures coming up on Monday 24^th March and Tuesday 25^th March which may affect some members of the St Michael's community.

Road closure in Pilgrims Way East between Tudor Drive and Park Hill Road

Between 09:30 and 14:30

Diversions in place via Childsbridge Lane and Fackenden Lane during closure

Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival success

We were delighted that so many pupils took part in the Music and Drama classes of the Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival held last weekend at Kent College, Pembury. Please can you send all certificates into school, either to the Office or to Mrs Scott by Tuesday so that we can include everyone who took part in our report which will be in next week’s newsletter. If you have any photos that you took at the event please send them to tusher@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk. The certificates will be presented in a forthcoming assembly.

St Michael's Colts shine in IAPS National Hockey Finals

On Monday, St Michael's Colts A boys’ hockey squad travelled to Framlingham College to compete in the IAPS National Finals. With 20 teams qualifying, the competition was split into four groups of five.

The boys got off to a fantastic start against Cranleigh School, securing a 2-1 victory with two brilliant team goals finished by Adam J. In their second match, the boys faced a very strong Perse School side. Despite dealing with immense pressure from the opposition, they narrowly lost 2-1. Notably, Perse went on to win all of their matches and were crowned National Champions, conceding only one goal throughout the tournament, which came against us.

Following the second game, we moved to a different pitch which proved difficult to adapt to. Against our third opponents, Bishop’s Stortford Prep, we conceded two early goals. Although we created numerous chances for the rest of the match, we were unable to convert any and suffered a defeat. This result made progressing to the Cup stage nearly impossible, meaning our focus shifted to securing a place in the Plate Competition.

Our final group-stage match was against Bilton Grange School. St Michael's began to find their rhythm on the challenging sandy pitch, scoring two well-worked goals and winning 2-1. This result placed us third in our group with qualification for the Plate Competition.

In the Plate Quarter-Finals, St Michael's faced Beachborough Prep and delivered a dominant performance, winning 3-0. This was followed by the Semi-Final which saw us take on Hall Grove School for the third time this season. We took an early lead with a fantastic goal and held on until the final whistle when our opponents were awarded a short corner. Disappointingly, they converted after being given two successive short corners, bringing the game to a draw and pushing us into golden goal. With neither team able to score, the match was decided by penalty strokes where we were unfortunately defeated. This result put us into the Plate third-place play-off against Cranleigh School. Back on the better-quality pitch, the boys rediscovered their free-flowing hockey from earlier in the tournament. After sustained pressure, Oliver A clinically finished a well-executed short corner, securing a 1-0 victory.

The boys were delighted to come away with the Plate bronze medal, gaining valuable experience throughout the day. This was the first time a St Michael’s boys’ hockey team has ever competed in an IAPS National Tournament and the squad should be incredibly proud of their achievements.

1. Nik B
2. Thomas D
3. Thomas G
4. Rayaan G 
5. Hugo M
6. Ruaridh O
7. Adam J
8. Oliver A
9. Isaac O

Mr Thomas, Head of Boys' Games

Year 6 French Activity Day

On Tuesday, Year 6 enjoyed a cultural day of French learning about the beloved French character, Le Petit Nicolas and his band of friends.

Throughout the morning, the pupils learnt about the author René Goscinny, known by some pupils as the author of Astérix et Obélix. They also learnt about illustrator, Jean-Jacques Sempé and tried to recreate his drawing style by designing a front cover of their own. There were lots of creative versions including Nicolas va chez le coiffeur (with a bald Nicolas) and Nicolas rencontre Astérix.

Pupils participated in a range of language-based activities in the morning and were then ready to enjoy the film in the afternoon which was full of jokes and slapstick comedy.

There was a welcome snack break in the middle of the film when pupils enjoyed a croque-monsieur courtesy of Mr Edwards our Catering Manager. Miam miam!

All in all, pupils enjoyed an entertaining day steeped in French culture. As Petit Nicolas would say, c’est chouette!

Madame Buttery, French Teacher

Challenge Club discover Parliament

On Monday we took our Years 7 and 8 Challenge Club pupils to the UK Parliament. If we wanted to feel and smell history, we had come to the right place!

We realised that the Palace of Westminster is a museum, a workplace and a centre of democracy at the same time: every nook and cranny tells a story. On top of that it has survived being burnt down, bombed during the Second World War and stayed open for business throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Although it was rather quiet when we arrived, we quickly realised that it is a busy place.

Following our guided visit, we walked to Westminster Pier and took the boat to Greenwich. This trip gave us the chance to see London from the river and to (re)discover famous landmarks of the capital.

Once in Greenwich, we walked through the market and headed to the park where we had our picnic at the bottom of the Royal Observatory. After a short tour, we took the foot tunnel that connects Cutty Sark to the northern bank of the River Thames. Finally, we travelled by train back to St Michael’s, having learnt a lot and walked over 10,000 steps!

Madame Poracchia, Gifted and Talented Lead 

Year 4 discover Ancient Rome

On Tuesday 11^th March, Year 4 threw on their togas and turned Roman for the day.

Marching into the Sports Hall, Year 4 were met with a Roman Forum (marketplace) where artistic stalls covered the perimeter. Working through stall by stall, the children created Roman artistic masterpieces such as frescos, mosaics, wax tablets and they even got to create a fragrance at the bathhouse! Throughout all of this, the children were told about Queen Boudica's Rebellion and how we, as Romans, should be fearing her advance with only a small Roman Army standing in her path. We heard how the Roman Army stood tall and beat the Celtic Tribes. This lead to the afternoon's activities where Year 4 became frumentarii (Roman secret police) in an attempt to find and capture a spy by investigating a range of suitcases. Luckily, Year 4 managed to find the spy so we can all sleep safe tonight! 

Thank you to all of the parent volunteers and teachers who helped on the day. 

Mr Morgan, Head of Year 4

Dr. Hannah inspires St Michael's writers and scientists

We have been delighted to welcome GP and author Dr. Hannah Weston-Simons to St Michael's over the past couple of weeks to speak to children across Pre-Prep and Prep.

Visiting Pre-Prep for an assembly and book signing as part of World Book Day last week, it was Prep's turn to benefit from Dr. Weston-Simons' wisdom as part of Science Week this Monday. 

Hannah's presentation fitted perfectly with our Year 6's Science topic of Staying Alive and children were entertained with poetry and fun facts about the blood as well as organs and body parts involved with making, using and removing it.  

Dr. Weston-Simons was impressed by the pupils' level of knowledge as well as their varied and interesting questions. Her visit concluded with a signing session of her poetry book all about the body, BLOOD, BONES & BLADDERS: The Poetry of Your Body.

For orders and more information, please visit: www.bloodbonesandbladders.co.uk.

Mrs J Clarke, Science Teacher

Year 8 enjoy Animal Farm theatre trip

On Thursday 13^th March, Year 8 went to see the play Animal Farm at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford. It was really dramatic, seeing humans representing farm animals. There were only six actors and they all did a brilliant job putting on different accents for each of their characters. We all loved the characters of Boxer and Benjamin who had great synergy. The performance was mostly true to the book. All in all, it was an educational and fun day out.

Words by Louis H and Toluwa O, Year 8

St Michael's Colts win Silver in UKSA Tournament

Last Wednesday, St Michael's Colts A boys’ hockey team travelled to Burgess Hill to compete in the UKSA Hockey Tournament. The competition featured 16 teams, split into four groups of four.

Our first game was against Cumnor House School: the match ended in a draw, giving us a long break before our second fixture. In our next game against Hazelwood School, the boys began playing much better, demonstrating free-flowing hockey. After creating numerous chances, we eventually found the back of the net and secured a well-deserved victory.

Our final group-stage match was against Windlesham House Prep who attempted to run down the clock and settle for a draw which would have seen them top the group. However, St Michael's remained focused and, after sustained pressure, scored twice to win 2-0, winning the group and securing a place in the Cup Competition.

In the Quarter-Finals we faced Handcross Prep School. The boys continued to improve with each game, creating several chances before converting one to win and advance to the Semi-Finals against local rivals Amherst School. This was a closely contested match, with both teams having opportunities at either end. Eventually, St Michael’s broke the deadlock, winning 1-0 and booking a place in the Final.

In the Final, we played against a well-drilled Skippers Hill School side. Unfortunately, we were not at our best and the free-flowing hockey that had been improving throughout the tournament didn’t fully show in this match. We conceded a goal and, despite creating numerous chances to get back into the game, were unable to convert, ultimately finishing as runners-up.

In addition to their silver medals, the boys gained valuable experience and practice from this tournament. 

1. Nik B
2. Thomas D
3. Thomas G
4. Rayaan G
5. Hugo M
6. Ruaridh O
7. Adam J 
8. Oliver A
9. Isaac O

Mr Thomas, Head of Boys' Games

Years 3 and 4 Maths Countdown Competition

On Friday 7th March, Years 3 and 4 took part in the Maths Countdown Competition. Just as before, the event consisted of competitors playing the numbers game from the classic TV show, Countdown. They had to make the target number by adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing a group of smaller numbers.

The turnout was huge and we only just had enough desks for all of the competitors! Well done to the impressive 24 Year 3s who took part! There were some brilliant arithmetic skills on display and the rounds were hotly contested.

Once again, the event ran smoothly thanks to the Seniors who helped set up and score the event.

The Years 7 and 8 Competition will take place on Friday 25th April. 

The results for the Years 3 and 4 Competition are as follows:

Year 4 winners:

1st place: Teddy G

2nd place: Arianna S

3rd place: Sebby C

Year 3 winners:

1st place: Daphne S

2nd place: Ella M

3rd place: Rosanna C

Mr Fuller, Maths Teacher

Litter pickers available to borrow

The Eco Committee are inviting St Michael's families to take part in litter picks during their own time. Pre-Prep has a number of litter pickers available for families to borrow: parents/carers are welcome to collect these from the Pre-Prep Office. 

Please send Mrs Rose photographs of your hard work to be shared in Pre-Prep assembly.  

Group chats

“Occurring through messaging apps, on social media and in online games, group chats are amongst the most popular ways that young people engage with their peers online. Involving, by definition, three or more individuals, these groups allow users to send messages, images and videos to everyone in one place. While they are useful for helping friends, people with shared interests or members of a club to communicate and coordinate activities, they can also leave young people feeling excluded and bullied – as well as providing opportunities for inappropriate content to be shared and viewed.

In the guide you will find tips on a number of potential risks of group chats such as bullying, inappropriate content and unknown members.”

Words by Dr Claire Sutherland from the National College

This week, the sewing machine has been a great source of fun as the children have eagerly sewn ears, arms and legs to their Easter bunnies. They've also enjoyed creating charming spring bird pictures and zipping around the garden on the Didi-Cars and scooters.

For more information about the Hive or Breakfast Club or to book in your child, please contact Nicky Smith at WrapAroundCare@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk.

Players of the Match - week commencing 10th March

House Point Certificates

Dover: Juliet E

Leeds: Ben C

Windsor: Faith S

Times Tables Certificates

Bronze Times Tables Certificate: Rowan T; Lottie B and Harry S

Silver Times Tables Certificate: Jessica C and Reuben S

Young Doctors Summer School 2025

Please click here to view the full letter.

Save the date for St Michael's 2025 Senior Schools Fair. This is a fantastic opportunity for all St Michael's families to speak to over 30 senior schools from across the country ranging from independent day and boarding schools to grammar and state schools. 

Camp Beaumont Spring Sale

Camp Beaumont, children's activity provider who will be running sessions at St Michael's over the Easter holidays, are running a Spring Sale starting on Monday 10^th March and ending on Sunday 16^th March at 11.59pm. 

Prices are as low as £40 per day when you book for the entire week or £45 for individual days. Please ensure that you quote our host school discount code at the checkout (STMICHAELS25) to receive a further 10% off these prices!

Secure your place now at: www.campbeaumont.co.uk.

Junior Bake-Off applications open

Kemsing Cricket Club

Kent Fostering

Follow us on social media!

Make sure you are following St Michael’s social media channels for important updates and content throughout the year.